Four hurt as Hampton fire captain's house burns

HAMPTON — WMUR was reporting that four people were taken to the hospital after an early morning fire in Hampton Sunday at the home of town Fire Department Capt. David Mattson.

Firefighters were called to 29 Josephine Dr. at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday and found heavy fire in the single-story ranch-style home with attached garage. Crews from six surrounding towns were called to help.

All four people in the home were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but the Hampton Deputy Fire Chief told the TV station all were expected to recover. No firefighters were hurt.

WMUR said firefighters said half of the home was heavily damaged by the flames and the home was unlivable.

Both the cause and the origin of the fire were under investigation early Sunday.

“It didn't even feel like it was happening. It felt like a dream because my house is on fire right now,” Mattson told a news crew.

Mattson's daughter, 18-year-old Morgan, jumped into action.

“I saw an orange glow outside my house and the smoke alarms were going off,” Morgan Mattson told a reporter from the station. “I just got up and saw the smoke. I couldn't breathe. I stayed as low as I could. (I) got up, woke up my brothers, got out, got the dogs out. (I) found one of the cats, and found the other cat this morning.”

Fire officials said it's believed the fire started in the back of the house